OPG’s ION program got “eyes on” Indigenous candidate, who is now advancing his career in nuclear
At a glance
- OPG’s Indigenous Opportunities Program continues to build Indigenous capacity in the energy sector by connecting qualified candidates with rewarding careers.
- Richard Cochrane began his new role in the nuclear sector after ION helped his employer find him.
- Since 2018, the community-centred ION program has helped recruit and place 230 skilled Indigenous workers in roles across the sector.
If it weren’t for OPG’s Indigenous Opportunities Network (ION) program, Richard Cochrane might not be levelling up his career in the nuclear sector today.
Cochrane recently began a new role as Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Makwa-Dewar, an Indigenous civil construction and industrial services company based in Neyaashiinigmiing, Ont.
But it was ION that helped get his employer’s eye on him in the first place.
“ION was instrumental in helping my employer find me,” said Cochrane, a member of Curve Lake First Nation located near Peterborough and one of seven First Nations that were signatories to the Williams Treaties.
The community-centred ION program is helping to build up Indigenous capacity across the energy sector and is a key component of OPG’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Since it began in 2018, ION has helped recruit and place 230 skilled and qualified members from Indigenous communities across Ontario in jobs within the energy sector, including at OPG, union halls, and vendor partner organizations.
“ION was instrumental in helping my employer find me.”Richard CochraneDirector of Strategy and Partnerships at Makwa-Dewar
Currently, Makwa-Dewar supports OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station through beautification projects such as painting, carpentry, and general labour, as well as janitorial services. The company employs about 60 full-time staff on site and works directly with OPG.
As part of his new role, Cochrane is helping strengthen his company’s partnership with OPG. He is also responsible for business strategy and planning, Indigenous relations, business development, and recruitment.
“During my job search, I was hoping to work at an Indigenous-owned company in a senior leadership position to further advance my career in the nuclear sector,” said Cochrane, whose previous work experience includes positions in the energy, technology, and banking sectors.
It has been a perfect match so far. And Cochrane credits ION for giving his profile visibility to his employer, Makwa-Dewar, who regularly searches the ION database for Indigenous candidates to fill open roles.
Now as he fits into his new job, Cochrane has had the pleasure of returning the favour, so to speak, by interviewing ION candidates, like himself, for positions at his company.
“I am very grateful for ION helping me find the right opportunity in the nuclear sector!”
Learn more about OPG’s ION program.
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